How do you start your own travel business off the back of a global pandemic?
- 16 Aug 2021
- Kelly Cookes
One thing I have learned about independent travel agents over the last 18 months is that they are very resilient. Previous predictions of high street travel agents being on the decline are clearly being blown out of the water with new predictions such as ‘holidaymakers are 25% more likely to book a holiday with a travel professional now than before the pandemic’ (ABTA survey July 2021) becoming increasingly frequent so is now the best time to think about starting your own travel business?
Clearly, there is pent-up demand for travel which is great news! But behind the scenes things are changing with merchant acquirers seeing travel as ‘riskier' than before, enhanced consumer financial protection being top of everyone’s agenda and licensing such as ABTA and ATOL becoming more difficult to acquire. All of these lead to added pressure on travel agents that let’s face it they don’t need right now!
Setting up a travel agency under a ‘managed branch’ model is becoming a more popular option for those thinking of realising their dreams and starting their own travel business because it can resolve many of the challenges mentioned above. All these services are included as well as the security of being part of a larger independent travel agency network that provides marketing support, business support as well as pre-negotiated commercial terms with tour operators & other travel suppliers.
You may even want to consider starting your business on a smaller scale and join a homeworking model instead. As well as the obvious benefits working from home brings such as work/life balance; controlling your own schedule and general well-being; starting up as a travel homeworker means you can also benefit from many of the services included in a ‘managed branch’ model without as many overheads.
So now might just be the right time for you to start your own travel business. For more information and advice please contact Advantage Travel Partnership on 020 7324 3931 or e-mail [email protected] or drop us a private message on one of our social media channels.
Our Advantage Managed Services (AMS) brochure outlines the features and benefits of starting your business through AMS.
Plus, watch the video below to find out more about AMS!
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